Is it Staad or is it Me
Is it Staad or is it Me
(OP)
I am trying to use Staad.pro as the "go to" analysis program and feel like I've had nothing but issues. Nothing seems intuitive, half the time my 'design' just reports nothing, no error, no design, just N/A. So my question is - is Staad worth it? It seems like a fairly comprehensive/robust program and I like the general idea of "defining" items then "assigning" them to members, but I haven't had this type of struggle/learning curve with other analysis software programs. Is it me? Is Staad worth the learning curve?
RE: Is it Staad or is it Me
Sounds like the wrong input commands are being put in. One of the "TRACK" commands will give you more output on design calculations.
I personally am a fan of STAAD. I have to say though I prefer the old STAAD Pro to this "connect" edition I am using now.
RE: Is it Staad or is it Me
If you don't mind me asking, why do you like it?
I want to like it. It seems like a fairly robust program that can handle all sorts of loading conditions and complicated analysis. Seems like there are a lot of options available. I like the text input file idea.
For some reason though it just isn't all that intuitive for me.
I actually like what they are doing with the physical modeler for the most part as it seems a bit more intuitive, but I usually need to break the link at some point. Also I could see if you're used to using the V8i edition that you wouldn't like the connect edition.
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com
RE: Is it Staad or is it Me
Once you get beyond the familiarity I have with it (or did have with it before this "connect" business started)……….I just like how you can manipulate things. You can copy structures and paste very quickly. The EDIT file gives you another angle to quickly change things (and add comments). But probably my most fav thing about it is it's time-history capability. Not sure I've run into a better one anywhere.
RE: Is it Staad or is it Me
I also like the idea of defining properties then assigning them but it becomes cumbersome for larger models as all the properties are jumbled in a list. Eg I haven't worked out how to rename support types (not sure if it's possible) so they just stay as Support 1, Support 2 etc and have to be opened to remember what they represent (or keep a list outside the program). I tried using comments to keep my steel design parameters organised only for the comment to be an unrecognised command upon running the analysis. Lots of foibles...
RE: Is it Staad or is it Me
@SteveH - That's basically in-line with my thoughts/situation.
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com